Dog supplements guide

The ultimate guide to supplements for dogs and their benefits

When it comes to keeping our furry companions happy and healthy, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and routine vet visits are at the top of the list. But in recent years, many pet owners have turned to supplements to further support their dogs’ health. From joint health and skin conditions to digestion and anxiety, there’s a supplement for nearly every canine concern. But how do you know which ones are worth the investment?

In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at dog supplements: what they are, the most common types available in Australia, when they’re useful, and how to choose the right one for your best mate.

🐕 What are supplements for dogs?

Dog supplements are products designed to add nutritional or therapeutic value to a dog’s diet. Available as chewable tablets, powders, liquids, or even tasty treats, they’re often used to manage health conditions or support ageing pets.

While they’re not a replacement for proper nutrition, they can be an excellent addition for:

• Preventing or managing health concerns
• Supporting senior dogs
• Boosting overall wellness

Common types of dog supplements and their benefits

We have listed a variety of ways supplements can help to support your dogs health and wellbeing. As always, please consult with your vet first if you have concerns about your pet’s health.

🦴 Joint & mobility support

Best for: Older dogs, large breeds, active working dogs, or those with arthritis or hip dysplasia

Popular ingredients:

• Glucosamine & Chondroitin: Maintain joint cartilage and reduce inflammation.
• MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane): A natural anti-inflammatory.
• Green-lipped mussel (a New Zealand native): Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and joint-protective compounds.
• Turmeric (Curcumin): A natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that may help reduce pain and stiffness in arthritic dogs. Often combined with black pepper extract (piperine) to boost absorption.

Signs your dog might benefit from joint support supplements:

• Stiffness or limping, especially after rest or walks
• Difficulty climbing stairs or jumping into the car
• Slowing down on walks or reduced willingness to play
• Noticeable discomfort after physical activity

Aussie brands to consider: 4CYTE™, PAW by Blackmores Joint Protect, Natural Animal Solutions® JointPro Advance, HempPet Hemp + Turmeric Treats, Vetalogica Hemp Clinicals Hip & Joint Supplements, ZamiPet Joint Protect, Petrition Hip & Joint Support, Drool By Dr Chris Brown – Joint Protect.

🐩 Skin & coat health

Best for: Dogs with allergies, dry or flaky skin, excessive shedding, or dull coats

Popular ingredients:

• Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA & DHA): Typically sourced from fish or flaxseed oil.
• Biotin & Zinc: Essential for maintaining skin integrity and a shiny coat.
• Turmeric: Also beneficial in reducing skin inflammation and promoting overall skin health.

Signs your dog might benefit from skin & coat support:

• Excessive scratching, licking, or biting at the skin
• Dull or thinning coat
• Flaky, dry skin or dandruff
• Recurring skin infections or hotspots

Aussie options: Omega Oils by Natural Animal Solutions®, Vet’s All Natural Omega Blend, Vetalogica Naturals Skin & Coat, Vita Rapid Skin & Coat, PetzPark Skin & Coat, PAW by Blackmores Coat, Skin & Nails, Petrition Skin & Coat, Vet’s Best Healthy Coat Shed & Itch Relief.

💩 Digestive health support

Best for: Dogs with sensitive stomachs, frequent diarrhoea, flatulence, or irregular stools

Popular ingredients:

• Probiotics: Good bacteria to balance gut flora.
• Prebiotics: Fibre that nourishes probiotics.
• Digestive enzymes: Help break down food and improve nutrient absorption.

Signs your dog might benefit from digestive support:

• Frequent diarrhoea or loose stools
• Excessive gas or bloating
• Vomiting after meals
• Inconsistent appetite or eating grass frequently

Aussie brands: PAW by Blackmores Digestive Health, Vetafarm Synbiotic 180-S, PetzPark Probiotics, CanineCeuticals Gut Restore & Gut Protect, Vet’s Best Probiotic, Petrition Probiotics For Dogs, Drool By Dr Chris Brown – In-betweeners.

😌 Calming & behavioural support

Best for: Dogs with separation anxiety, fear of storms, fireworks, or travel stress.

Popular ingredients:

• L-theanine & L-tryptophan: Amino acids with calming effects.
• Chamomile, valerian root: Herbal relaxants.
• CBD oil (hemp-based, where legal): Anecdotally helpful for stress, but regulations vary across Australian states.

Signs your dog might benefit from calming supplements:

• Excessive barking or whining when alone
• Shaking, panting, or hiding during storms or fireworks
• Destructive behaviour when anxious
• Difficulty settling or sleeping at night

Aussie brands: Adaptil® Calm Chews, PAW by Blackmores Complete Calm Chews, HempPet Hemp Anxiety Aid, Vetalogica VitaRapid Tranquil Treats, Drool – Calm + Collected, Vetalogica Hemp Clinicals Calming Treats, Petrition Calming Support.

💊 Multivitamins & general wellness

Best for: Dogs on homemade diets, picky eaters, or those recovering from illness.

Popular nutrients:

• Vitamins A, D, E, and B-complex
• Essential minerals like selenium, iron, and zinc
• Taurine: Crucial for heart health, especially in breeds like Golden Retrievers and Cocker Spaniels

Signs your dog might benefit from multivitamns:

• Reduced energy or lethargy
• A less than ideal coat condition or poor skin health
• Changes in appetite or weight fluctuations
• Recurring signs of nutrient deficiency, such as brittle nails or slow wound healing

Australian options: ZamiPet Complete Care Multi, Natural Animal Solutions® Organic Seaweed, Blackmores PAW Wellness + Vitality Multivitamins, PetzPark Multivitamins, Vet’s Best Multi Vitamin Soft Chews, Petrition 11 in 1 Multi For Dogs.

🛡️ Immunity support for dogs

Best for: Dogs recovering from illness, seniors, puppies, or those prone to infections, allergies, or general fatigue.

A strong immune system helps your dog fend off viruses, bacteria, and inflammation. Whether your pup is bouncing back from an illness or you’re just looking to keep them thriving year round, immune supporting supplements can help.

Popular ingredients:

• Vitamin C & E: Powerful antioxidants that support immune function and cell health.
• Zinc: Essential for healing and immune defence.
• Colostrum: A nutrient-rich substance from early milk, known to strengthen immunity and support gut health.
• Medicinal mushrooms (like Reishi or Shiitake): Used in holistic pet care for their immune-modulating effects.
• Probiotics & Prebiotics: Gut health is closely tied to immune function supporting the microbiome helps fight off pathogens.
• Turmeric: Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it can also support immune balance.

Signs Your Dog Might Benefit:

• Frequent colds or recurrent infections
• Lethargy or chronic low energy
• Slow recovery from minor illnesses or injuries
• General signs of being run-down or unwell

Australian options: PAW by Blackmores Immune Care, Natural Animal Solutions® Immune Support, Pet Wellbeing Life Gold for Dogs – Immune Support, EAC Animal Care in-sideout Gut & Immune Health Optimiser, Petrition Probiotics For Dogs.

🧓Senior dog support

Best for: Dogs aged 7+ or any breed showing signs of ageing like stiffness, slower movement, reduced appetite, or cognitive decline.

As dogs enter their senior years, their nutritional needs shift. They may start to slow down physically or show signs of confusion, restlessness, or sensory changes. Supplements designed for seniors can help maintain quality of life by supporting joints, brain function, digestion, and immune health.

Popular ingredients:

• Glucosamine & Chondroitin: Maintain cartilage and support mobility in older joints.
• Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA & EPA): Not only support joint health, but also play a key role in brain function and cognitive health.
• L-carnitine: Supports heart health and helps maintain healthy metabolism in senior dogs.
• Turmeric (Curcumin): Offers natural anti-inflammatory benefits and antioxidant support.
• SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine): Supports liver health and may improve mood or cognition.
• B vitamins & antioxidants: Help manage energy levels and combat oxidative stress.
• Probiotics & prebiotics: Improve digestion and support immune function, which can decline with age.

Signs your dog might benefit from senior specific supplements:

• Stiffness after naps or walks
• Confusion or disorientation
• Loss of interest in food or play
• Trouble with digestion or elimination
• Anxiety or restlessness at night (common with cognitive changes)
• Decline in coat condition or weight changes

Aussie brands to consider: 4CYTE™ for Dogs – Canine Joint Support, Natural Animal Solutions® Senior Omega Oil, Vetalogica Naturals Senior Multivitamins, ZamiPet Senior Support, Petrition Seniors Vitality Support Chews.

Pro tip: Always pair supplements with regular senior wellness checks at your vet. Early detection of age-related issues gives you more options to manage them naturally and effectively.

💧 Urinary health support

Best for: Dogs prone to urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder issues, incontinence, or kidney concerns—especially females, seniors, and dogs on a dry food diet.

Urinary issues in dogs can be uncomfortable and, if left untreated, lead to more serious health problems. Supplements designed to support urinary tract health help maintain proper bladder function, prevent infections, and support the kidneys. They can be especially useful for dogs with recurring UTIs, crystals, or age-related incontinence.

Popular ingredients:

• Cranberry extract: Known to help prevent harmful bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall and reduce the risk of UTIs.
• D-mannose: A naturally occurring sugar that helps flush out bad bacteria from the urinary tract.
• Marshmallow root & Uva ursi: Herbal remedies used for soothing urinary inflammation and promoting kidney health.
• DL-methionine: Helps acidify urine, which may help prevent the formation of certain urinary crystals.
• Probiotics: Support a healthy balance of bacteria, which can indirectly reduce the risk of UTIs.

Signs your dog may benefit from urinary support:

• Frequent urination or accidents
• Straining or discomfort when urinating
• Strong or unusual urine odour
• Licking the genital area
• Recurring urinary infections

Aussie brands to consider: PAW by Blackmores Urinary Health Chews, Natural Animal Solutions® Urinary Support, Vetalogica Canine Urinary Tract Support, ZamiPet Urinary Support, Now Pets Urinary Support.

Tip: Ensure your dog has constant access to clean, fresh water—hydration is key to maintaining urinary health, especially if they’re primarily on dry kibble.

🌾 Allergy support for dogs

Best for: Dogs with seasonal allergies, food sensitivities, itchy skin, ear infections, or recurring hotspots.

Allergies are a common issue for many Aussie dogs—especially during spring and summer when pollen counts rise or when exposed to grasses, dust mites, or certain foods. While managing allergies often requires a multi-faceted approach (like dietary adjustments and environment control), supplements can play a big role in soothing symptoms and strengthening your dog’s natural defences.

Popular ingredients:

• Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA & DHA): Help reduce inflammation, soothe itchy skin, and support the skin barrier.
• Quercetin: A natural antioxidant and antihistamine often called “nature’s Benadryl.”
• Colostrum: Supports immune regulation and may help reduce allergic responses.
• Probiotics: Improve gut health, which plays a big role in allergy sensitivity and immune balance.
• Bromelain: A natural enzyme (from pineapple) that can help with inflammation and nutrient absorption.
• Turmeric: Known for its anti-inflammatory and antihistamine effects—great for managing flare-ups.

Signs your dog may benefit from allergy support:

• Constant scratching, licking, or chewing (especially paws, belly, or ears)
• Recurring ear infections
• Hair loss or thinning coat
• Red, inflamed skin or hotspots
• Sneezing or watery eyes

Aussie brands to consider: Vetalogica Canine Allergy Support, ZamiPet Allergy & Itch, Natural Animal Solutions® Skin Pack (includes Omega Oil + Skin Support), HempPet Skin & Coat Oil with Hemp, Fish Oil, and Turmeric, Drool By Dr Chris Brown – Hypoallergenic, Petrition Allergy & Itch Relief, Vet’s Best Healthy Coat Shed & Itch Relief.

🧬 When should you use supplements?

Supplements can be helpful in many situations, but they’re not always necessary. Here are some examples where they might be a good idea:

• Senior dogs showing signs of stiffness or cognitive decline
• Dogs with allergies, skin issues, or chronic digestive problems
• Pups on homemade or raw diets that might lack complete nutrition
• Highly active dogs or working breeds with increased nutritional demands
• Dogs experiencing high levels of anxiety or behavioural stress

Before introducing any supplement, have a chat with your veterinarian especially if your dog has an existing medical condition or is on medication.

🧐 What to look for in a dog supplement

Not all supplements are created equal. Here’s what to consider before buying:

1. Clear labelling: Check for ingredient transparency and proper dosing.
2. Aussie made & vet-approved: Prefer local brands that meet Australian standards (such as APVMA or NASC certification).
3. Minimal fillers: Avoid artificial additives or preservatives.
4. Tailored formulas: Choose supplements suited to your dog’s size, breed, and age.
5. Reputation matters: Read reviews, and when in doubt, ask your vet for recommendations.

⚠️ Risks and side effects

Even natural supplements can cause side effects or interact with medications. Some potential risks include:

• Overdosing (especially with fat-soluble vitamins like A and D)
• Upset stomach or diarrhoea
• Allergic reactions or intolerance to certain ingredients

Always start with the recommended dose and monitor your dog closely. If you notice any adverse changes, discontinue use and consult your vet immediately.

🐶 Final Thoughts

Dog supplements can be a great way to support your pup’s health and happiness, especially when used with guidance from a trusted vet. Whether you’re managing an ageing Labrador’s hips or helping your anxious rescue settle into their new home, the right supplement can make a real difference.

Just remember: supplements should enhance, not replace, a good-quality diet and regular vet care.

IMPORTANT: The information in the article is not intended to be used as a substitute for veterinary advice, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The information provided on the website is for educational and informational purposes only. Please always seek medical treatment from a veterinarian if you have concerns about your pet’s health.

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